Mississippi Trial, 1955

Description: The Mississippi Trial, 1955, a gripping story (historical fiction) that follows the kidnapping and murder of Emmet Till through the eyes of a sixteen-year old boy,  is the central focus of this unit. These lessons, designed for students in grades six through eight, provide an exploration of Chris Crowe’s novel using the six elements of a good decision. Once they have chosen (or been assigned) a character from the story, students use the six decision-making mini-lessons to review the elements, engage in a close reading of the novel, and analyze their characters’ decisions. Teachers also have the option to direct students in an analysis of a personal decision.